September 11 - Enkutatash - New Year's holiday of the Ethiopian people.

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September 11 - Enkutatash - New Year's holiday of the Ethiopian people.

  In Ethiopia, the New Year is celebrated on September 11th. Today, Ethiopia is 7 years and 8 months behind us. The word enkutatash means sharing valuables. According to legend, New Year's Eve was confirmed by Queen Sovskaya. Jerusalem was delighted to hear of the return of the queen from King Solomon, whose subjects greeted the queen with valuables. The return of the Queen marked the beginning of a new era in Ethiopia. In the 14th-century Costele Johannes Church in Gaines, Gondar, monks sing hymns, sing religious songs, and hold large events. Enkutatash is widely celebrated at the Church of Addis Ababa, not far from Abeba. Usually the celebration begins on the evening of September 10th. Ethiopians burn eucalyptus and spruce branches as a bonfire. The largest bonfire starts from the main square of Addis Ababa. Everyone rejoices in looking at the fire with confidence and hope. A large tree is burned as the base of the campfire. Residents gathered in the square to watch which way the burning tree fell. People believe that wherever a tree falls, the harvest will be abundant. In the morning, people go to church in their national costumes. After church, they rush home to the festive table. But Enkutatash is not only a religious holiday but also a harbinger of the end of the rainy season and the arrival of spring. On this day, children wear colorful clothes, make wreaths and share them with everyone. The girls go to the houses and sing and get presents, while the boys sell their paintings. They all carry their brothers in the evening. Adults discuss what will happen next year around the table.